Here is a sermon from Bro. Paul Stepp, Missionary to Bosler, Wyoming. I thought this fitting to use as a devotional the day after the end of our Bible Conference.
SERMON: March 10, 2024
“Counting the Cost”
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he
have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all
that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke
14:28-30)
Our text passage of Scripture serves as a reminder of the cost of serving and following Jesus Christ. Certainly, it is a
wonderful and magnificent blessing to follow after Christ! What grander calling is there in the world? What loftier
vocation is there in all of mankind? And yet, this is not something to be entered upon lightly. Nor can the unprepared (or
unregenerate) hope to endure the cost that will be required. Jesus Christ has paid for our salvation, but there are
expectations for those who would serve and follow in the Cause of Christ. The Cost must be counted, and the Cost includes
the following:
Prefer Christ
The beginning of this sermon is quite simple: Prefer Christ above all others. This is what our Lord teaches us. The word
“hate” in this passage, may seem too harsh by some. But, I believe that what the Lord intends, is that we will put the things
of God first. Even by His example, the Lord Jesus proved that we should love, and be attracted to, the things of God – even
at the expense of our own earthly families. The Lord mentions the word “first” several times in our text passage. I believe
that this is essential in our service. Jesus Christ must be “first.” Our love for Him must be “first” and best. We must prefer
Him above all others – persons, things, pleasures – Jesus Christ must be “first.” If He is not, then it is of no use to embark
upon this life of service unto Christ. Mt. 10:34-37; Mark 3:31-35; Deut. 13:6-8
Follow Christ
A person may say, and may even demonstrate to his family and the world – in no uncertain terms – that he does “Prefer
Christ.” However, a saying of the thing, is not sufficient; there must also be a doing of the thing. Those who will be the
disciples of Christ, must follow Him! We must walk the way in which He walked. We must say the words that He said. We
must love the persons and things that He loved. We must hate the things that He hated. We must be obedient to the
Father to Whom He was obedient. When we prefer Christ, we follow Him. When we follow Him, we willingly place Him
first in our lives, and we willingly forsake our own desires – we submit our will unto His, and we wholeheartedly want to,
strive to, and work to see Jesus Christ exalted and the Will of God accomplished. Mt. 10:38; Lk. 9:23-26; 1Pet. 4:1-3; Col.
3:1-4
Consider and Commit
Our service unto God, requires a careful consideration of the expectations that God has of us, and the required cost that we
must undoubtedly pay. Our service unto God, requires a sincere commitment unto God – knowing that there will be
difficulties we must face, trials we must endure, tribulations and temptations that will confront us, loved ones and friends
that will forsake us, and a Loving Saviour that waits to greet us. As we consider these things, let us commit ourselves unto
the One Who gave Himself for us. He is able to keep us and to save us! Heb. 12:1-3; Gen. 28:16-22; 1Pet. 4:12-19
Praise ye the Lord!!!
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